'We're acting now': £4bn package for 'critical' HMNB Portsmouth upgrades in effort to boost Royal Navy
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The enchantments cover several aspects of the base and promise to support the Royal Navy’s hybrid force
Billions of pounds will be invested into upgrading Portsmouth Naval Base and preparing the site to house a hybrid force.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that “critical” enhancements will be made to HMNB Portsmouth’s jetties, berthing infrastructure and operational facilities. After being outlined in the Defence Investment Plan (Dip), £26bn will be set aside for the Royal Navy’s three bases.
The Portsmouth Transformation Programme is forecast to cost £3.9bn. Minister for defence readiness and industry, Luke Pollard, said the investment will deliver and modern and resilient naval base which is capable of supporting the current and future fleet.
He added: “The threats facing the United Kingdom are real and they are growing. This Government is not waiting - we are acting now to ensure our Royal Navy has the bases and infrastructure it needs to be ready to fight. This £26bn investment is the largest in our naval bases since the Cold War, and Portsmouth is central to it.”
Where is the money going?
The upgrades fall under Project Royal Oak, which covers all the improvements to HMNB Portsmouth, HMNB Faslane in Scotland, and HMNB Devonport in Plymouth. This covers Project Benham, a programme originally announced for the Portsmouth site in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR).
More jetties and berths will be built alongside improvements to support systems. They’ll be brought up to Nato standards. HMS Nelson will be regenerated, as well as accommodation for Royal Navy personnel and welfare infrastructure. Its wardroom remains on the Defence Estate Optimisation disposal list, with a date from 2032.
An innovation business park will be set up to drive the development of the hybrid navy, where conventional warships will be supported by autonomous vessels and drones. A new skills development centre will be constructed and is planned to open by the end of 2028. This will create modern apprentice and adult learning facilities, overseen by BAE Systems.
The MoD said the Royal Navy Warfighting Centre is undergoing upgrade work to deliver three concurrent cohorts of 24/7 operations. Mr Pollard added: “This investment is securing thousands of jobs across the South East and strengthening our Armed Forces for the challenges of today and the future."
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan, Labour, described the investment as a landmark moment. “For years, I have campaigned for greater investment in Portsmouth's Naval Base because I know just how vital it is to our city's identity, our local economy and our national security,” he said.
“This record £3.9bn investment will modernise the base, support highly skilled jobs, create new training opportunities and ensure Portsmouth remains at the heart of the Royal Navy for generations to come. After years of underinvestment, Labour is backing Portsmouth and backing our Armed Forces."
Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin said the investment is incredibly important to her, given she’s a mum of a serving Royal Navy sailor. She added: “I know first-hand the commitment and sacrifice made every day by our servicemen and women and their families.
"Portsmouth has always been a proud naval city and this record investment will ensure our Naval Base has the modern facilities, skills and infrastructure needed to support those who keep our country safe. It's fantastic news for our city, for local jobs and for the future of the Royal Navy.”